Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) disease is a neurological condition characterized by a weakness and loss of sensation in the legs, hands, and feet due to nerve damage. This condition is genetic, affecting approximately 1 in every 2500 people. CMT develops gradually over time and progressively worsens. While there is no cure, a podiatrist can help you manage the symptoms of CMT in your feet. People with this condition may experience a change in the structure of their feet, developing high arches and hammertoes. Pain, muscle weakness, altered sensation, and muscle cramps are also common. Your podiatrist may recommend a treatment program consisting of foot strengthening and stretching exercises, orthotics, pain medication, and possibly surgery to reduce symptoms and maintain your mobility and quality of life. If you suffer from CMT disease, seeing a podiatrist can help. 

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. This uric acid can crystallize in the joints, leading to symptoms such as sudden and severe pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth in the affected joint. While a gout flare up can hit any joint in the body, it is most frequently found at the base of the big toe joint. Because uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes, it crystallizes when temperatures are cooler.  Because the big toe is the furthest part of the body from the heart, it is also the coolest part of the body. This creates the perfect environment for uric acid to crystallize and for a gout attack to occur. If you experience painful gout flare ups in your feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist. 

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM from Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Neuropathy is a condition that can lead to numbness or loss of sensation in the feet, but it can also cause pain. This condition is more likely to develop for those who are diabetic, obese, or with high blood pressure.

A bunion is a bony bump that forms at the main joint of the big toe because the joint was pulled out of alignment. This causes the big toe to be turned towards the rest of the toes. This condition gradually develops over time and becomes more and more painful around the base of the big toe. There are a variety of factors that can lead to the formation of bunions. Biomechanical factors such as overpronation or flat feet can lead to the development of a bunion. Footwear also plays a huge role in the formation of bunions because shoes that are too tight can put pressure on the toe, and the narrow toe box of high heels can also cause bunions to form. Age can play a role in the development of bunions because the ligaments in the toes lose strength over time. Patients who are struggling with bunion pain should visit a podiatrist for a proper treatment plan that may include orthotics or surgery. 

If you are suffering from bunions, contact Jeffrey Radack, DPM of Texas Regional Foot & Ankle Clinics. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in McKinney and Coppell, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.